Infrared CCTV, monitored by staff at Highways England’s regional control centre in Durkar, Wakefield, will be used 24 hours-a-day to respond quickly to incidents.

Lanes will be closed using a red ‘X’ system on overhead signs when necessary.

The converted extra lane will also increase capacity between junctions 39 and 42.

Contractors for Highways England installed 6,172 road studs, put in nearly seven miles of reinforced concrete barriers in the central reservation and resurfaced the same length on both carriageways.

They also installed 10 overhead gantries with 38 electronic signs as part of the scheme.

Emergency refuge areas will be available for motorists if they break down.

Work between junctions 39 and 42 on the M1 began in November 2013 and temporary narrow lanes and a 50mph speed limit have been in place during construction.

Mrs Forte-Gill added: “It’s been great working on the project. It’s difficult for people who are working on the road, literally alongside traffic that is moving and even with speed limits at night it doesn’t feel like it’s going any slower.

“I’m incredibly proud of the team and we are really pleased about how we have been able to keep roads open during the construction.

“We would like to thank drivers for their patience over the last two years while we carried out the work.”

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